[ChuckB]

Hi. I want to get a .38 revolver, 4 inch barrel, new or clean used. I won't be needing .357 mags. I've been advised to find a a sharp used S&W 15. I'm also considering a Smith 67 or Ruger GP100, both new. My first requirement is accuracy. The second is a smooth trigger. Less expensive is better than more, but none of these is outrageously costly. It won't be for carry,due to our oh-so-enlightened Illinois lawmakers bowing to Chicago's mayor-dictator. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Chuck

[Thirties]

Used S&W model 15 (has an adjustable rear sight), or the used model 10 (has a fixed rear sight).

Both are equally very accurate, and both have very nice triggers. Expect to pay somewhere in the $200 to $275 range, with the 10 less than the 15.

You cannot do better than one of these two.

photo here . . .

http://www.jellison.50megs.com/images/two_sw_38s.jpg

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Thirties nailed it... but ChuckB, I have to ask...what's with the 'honey' in the post subject? Just curious.

[Thirties]

surely he thought he was asking his wife . . .

[patentnonsense]

Just the question (on accurate 38s) I was wanting answered!


"HONEY"

= Have One New (gun or honey) Every Year??

= Help Others Needing Excuses for Yes???

[Sunray]

"...Ruger GP100..." That is a .357. Good one though, but you'll need to do the trigger. Just like any new handgun. I've been shooting mine with .357 brass loaded to .38 specs for years.

[MikeJ]

There are .38 Special only GP100's.

[Marshall]

MikeJ nailed it.

GP-100®
Double Action Revolver · KGPF-840

Caliber .38 special

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Ok ok ok so BOTH thirties AND MikeJ have nailed it shut.

I'm still wondering about the 'honey' thing.

[ChuckB]

I have no clue how "honey" became the subject line. I had typed a completely different subject! Perhaps one of the moderators have a (shudder) thing for some of us? Let's not go there.

It's looking more and more like a Smith 15 somewhere is calling my name. When I get one, perhaps I'll name it "Honey"!

Chuck

[Thirties]

I call my Smith model 10 "Murphy" . . . don't yet have a name for the model 15.

I'm telling you, and you don't believe me. Somewhere in a layer of your subconscious, you were addressing this message to your wife, as in "Honey, which gun should I buy?"

Just kidding, as I hope you realize . . .

Seriously, if you get an older, say '60s vintage, Smith revolver, you won't need no steenkin' trigger job!

[Preacherman]

Chuckb, I took pity on you, and changed the thread title. Ain't I a honey? :D

[armoredman]

Nothin' like a good Model 10! Had one, bought it used for $125, wish I'd never sold it. What a tack driver! Never felt underarmed carrying it loaded with Hydrashok.
So, call me crazy.:)
No, I won't give up my 40 auto for a .38 Spl, but I wouldn't feel bad if that was all I had.:cool:

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. A clean Model 10 or 15 should serve very well. I'd go with the one I personally preferred and if there was no big preference, I'd go with the one having the best action.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Humble%2038%20Special.htm

Best and good shooting.

[Gordon]

Ugh all you S&W guys! How about a nice 4" Colt Poliice Postive Special ? Say from (19 )50-80, can get a clean one for $300 if you look carefully. And the Official police is everybit as nice as a K frame for about the same price. I have all the 5 and 3 screw K frames (ecept a damn 12-2, which I want!) made until they quit pinning them, but for me the vintage Colt's ring my bell.:cool:

[Josey]

I will differ. I just like the S&W Model 64. It is right behind a Colt Diamondback.

[Dr.Who]

ChuckB
You said a 4" 38. Are you plannig to shoot IDPA?

If so there are two clubs in your area. Go to the following websites:
www.racineidpa.com
www.mchenryidpa.com

They have monthly matches and it will give you an excuse to fire your find.
There are plenty of gunshops in the area to look over. New gun look at the ruger GP100 or a Smith. If you can find a used Colt and it locks up solid, get it. Refer the floating post on how to buy a used revolver. Good Luck

By the way, there is a Colt Trooper 4 inch for sale in the trading post, out of New Jersey... Picture included, Nice looking gun...

[ruger357]

An older S&W M15 will give you both accuracy and a smooth trigger.

[RON in PA]

Can't go wrong with either the Smith models 10 or 15 as everybody has posted. Also consider the stainless equivilents, the models 64 or 67. Now if you didn't specify a 4" barrel I'd suggest a model 14.

[bountyhunter]

Hi. I want to get a .38 revolver, 4 inch barrel, new or clean used. I won't be needing .357 mags. I've been advised to find a a sharp used S&W 15.

That and the model 10 are good choices, but so is a model 66. It is a .357 which gives you the option of using magnum or hot +p defense rounds with no worries should you need to. I have one with 4" barrel and it is very accurate (my favorite wheelgun).

[ChuckB]

Thanks to Preacherman for correcting the subject line.

Dr. Who- I'm starting to shoot in a local indoor league. My Beretta 92 is pretty darn good, but it's not capable of tight groups at 25 yards, and I've heard that the Smith 10 and 15 are. I don't want to put a load of bucks into the Beretta for competition work, though it and I are pretty close friends now. A 10 or 15 it shall be!

Chuck

[Dr.Who]

Chuck,
This Saturday Nite there is an indoor IDPA match in Racine,WI. Just 30-40 minutes north of the Ill/WI (Chedder) border. If you want to see how one runs. Allot of people come up from the Chicago area to shoot it. They usally run 45-55 shooters a nite. Starts at 5:45pm. Go to www.rachineidpa.com for complete details and directions. It is an indoor range and gun shop. The Store Keeper usually has a few smiths on hand.

Hope you can make on the 6th.

[greyhound]

. I just like the S&W Model 64

Yup, love my 4" 64.

Mine was a police trade, of the "carried a lot, shot a little" variety....